EP3550667B1 - Connection device for connecting a conductor of a cable to a support rail for electrical connection with each other - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a connecting device according to the preamble of claim 1 for connecting a conductor, in particular a shielding conductor, of a cable to a mounting rail for their electrical connection to one another, with a connecting body which has latching means for arrangement on the mounting rail, by which the connecting body can be attached to the mounting rail mounting rail and is held in the locked position at least at a first free end and at a second free end of the mounting rail opposite the first free end, thereby electrically connecting the conductor of the cable arranged on the connection body to the mounting rail, the connection body having a receiving space which is set up and designed in such a way that at least one uninsulated conductor section of the conductor accommodated in the receiving space is arranged in the latching position between the connection body and the mounting rail, the connection body having contacting means which are configured in such a way protected and designed such that the contacting means act upon the uninsulated conductor section of the conductor arranged in the receiving space when the connection body is snapped onto the mounting rail with a spring force and thus press it against the connection body and/or the mounting rail. Furthermore, the invention also includes a connection assembly with a corresponding connection device.

A corresponding connection device is from DE 197 16 762 A1 known. The shield connection clamp described there uses a U-shaped clamping bracket to overlap a cable lying on a busbar with its cable shield exposed. The clamping bracket ends are each formed with two mutually resilient clamping legs, the functions of which are controlled as a function of the respective position of a guide pressure piece. Another corresponding connection device is from EP 2 675 017 A1 known.

Next is from the DE 93 02 280 U1 discloses a device for connecting a cable provided with a shield to a component, for example to a grounding bar, wherein a clamp which presses the cable against the component by means of its shield and is actuated by at least one screw is provided. The thread of the clamping screw engages in a counter-thread of an intermediate element. The intermediate element can be displaced to a holding element, with the holding element acting on the component and holding onto it during clamping. The intermediate element is supported on its side facing away from the component via a compression spring arrangement on the holding element. The clamping screw is supported in the clamping direction with its screw shank on a pressure element, which acts on the side of the cable shielding that is opposite to the contact side of the cable shielding on the component.

the DE 10 2016 110 393 A1 describes a contacting device for contacting a shield conductor of an electrical line with a grounding section, which comprises a housing that encloses a receiving space into which an electrical line with a shielding conductor can be inserted, wherein the housing can be attached to a grounding section in such a way that the grounding section is in extends the recording space. In addition, a spring element is provided which is arranged on the housing so that it can pivot about a pivot axis and can be pivoted from an open position into a clamping position in order in the clamping position to contact a shield conductor of an electrical cable inserted in the receiving space with a grounding section to which the housing is attached .

Next is from the WO 2019/096945 A1 an electronics housing is known which has a housing body and a circuit board, the housing body having a connection device for connecting a conductor to the circuit board. The connection device has a receiving body in which a receiving space with an opening for the conductor is formed, with a cover being provided for the opening, which is movable between an open position in which the cover has the opening for inserting an uninsulated conductor section of the conductor opens into the receiving space, and a closed position in which the cover closes the opening at least in sections.

Connection devices of the generic type exist in different forms and are designed for different applications. For example, generic connection devices are known which are set up and designed to electrically connect a conductor or shield conductor of a cable to a bar-shaped busbar. For this purpose, the conductor is pressed against an electrically conductive section of the busbar, for example, in order to establish an electrical connection between the conductor and the mounting rail. For this purpose, connection devices of this type are known, for example EP 2 541 686 A1 and EP 2 541 685 A1 that are set up and trained for the aforementioned use.

Connection devices are available, for example, for connecting a conductor to a mounting rail JP2016091681 known, in which it is provided to provide the conductors of a respective cable with ferrules in order to connect them to the connector body can. Thus, such connection devices are comparatively complicated to handle and dependent on a special configuration of the cable ends.

Furthermore, connection devices of the type in question are known from EP 2 983 245 A1 , DE 20 003 081 U1 as well as DE 10 2009 057 514 B3 . This results in connection devices for connecting a conductor of a cable, in particular a shield conductor, to a mounting rail for their electrical connection to one another. For this purpose, they are equipped with a connection body which has latching means for arrangement on the mounting rail, by means of which the connection body latches onto the mounting rail and is held in the latched position at least at a first free end and at a second free end of the mounting rail opposite the first free end . In this case, the connection body located in the locking position electrically connects the conductor of the cable arranged thereon to the mounting rail.

The aforementioned support rails are generally known and are used to be able to attach electrical and electronic components, for example in distribution boxes, switch cabinets, connection boxes and the like. In addition the electrical components are often encased in electrical housings to form a module, via which they are attached to a mounting rail.

The known connecting devices of the type in question require various individual parts to ensure an electrical connection between the conductor and the mounting rail, as a result of which they involve increased implementation and handling costs.

The invention is based on the object of specifying connection devices which enable a secure and likewise simple electrical connection of a conductor, in particular a shielded conductor, to a mounting rail.

The connection device according to the invention is characterized in that the latching means have at least two spaced-apart latching hooks which are designed, constructed and arranged on the connection body in such a way that a first latching hook is connected to the first free end of the support rail and a second latching hook is connected to the second free end of the mounting rail for snapping the connection body onto the mounting rail and that the contacting means have at least one contact spring tongue which is electrically conductively connected to the connection body and is designed and arranged on it in such a way that the contact spring tongue makes contact with the non-insulated conductor section in a spring-loaded manner when the connection body is in the latched position , wherein the connector body is formed in one piece and wherein the contact spring tongue is integrally formed on the connector body.

In order to solve the problem, the invention turns away from the idea of supplementing the known connection devices with a large number of individual parts, each of which is specialized in a function to facilitate handling, for example in order to facilitate a secure electrical connection between the conductor and the mounting rail .

Rather, the invention pursues the approach of arranging the cable or conductor on a connection device without specializing individual parts and thus increasing their necessary number. To do this, it turns away from specializing the individual parts.

Furthermore, the invention also avoids the adaptation of the relevant cable, for example by using so-called ferrules or cable terminations or adapters.

The invention initially provides that the connection body has a receiving space which is set up and designed in such a way that at least one uninsulated conductor section of the conductor accommodated in the receiving space is arranged in the latching position between the connection body and the mounting rail.

The invention is not based on existing solutions for a connection to a mounting rail, but rather solves the task set by redesigning the arrangement of the cable/conductor on the connection body formed according to the invention and thus on the mounting rail, to which it is also connected by the invention can be arranged closer, which opens up advantages in the electrical connection.

Within the scope of the invention, the uninsulated conductor section of the conductor is also referred to as the uninsulated conductor section for short. In addition, the detent position refers to an arrangement of the connection body in which it is arranged on the mounting rail and, in order to be held thereon, snaps onto the mounting rail by means of the latching means.

In the context of the invention, the terms conductor refer to an electrical conductor that conducts electrical currents or signals. Furthermore, within the meaning of the invention, the term conductor also includes a shielding conductor, so that the statements made about a conductor also apply to its design as a shielding conductor.

Furthermore, within the scope of the invention, a cable is to be understood first of all as a single-core conductor provided with an electrically insulating sheath or a multi-core assembly of conductors. In this case, the sheathing can also comprise a plurality of sheath layers which surround the at least one conductor. The sheathing is also referred to below as electrical insulation or insulation.

In order to be able to make electrical contact with a sheathed conductor of the cable, the insulation is at least at the relevant contact point of the cable to be removed in order to then be able to contact the conductor via its uninsulated conductor section.

Within the scope of the invention, the cable can also be formed by the conductor itself, with the cable in turn dispensing with a sheathing/insulation of the conductor. Within the scope of the invention, a cable preferably has at least one electrical conductor which is surrounded by at least one braided shield, which in turn enables the relevant conductor to be shielded. According to the invention, the shielding conductor is therefore formed in particular by a shielding braid.

Within the scope of the invention, the conductor preferably serves as a protective conductor or for equipotential bonding of the bodies electrically connected to it, such as electrical/electronic components or modules, such as electrical/electronic devices, contacts, carriers. Accordingly, several conductors of the cable can serve this purpose. Within the scope of the invention, a conductor can be formed by an electrically conductive wire/an electrically conductive strand or core as well as a plurality of electrically conductive wires or strands or cores.

The invention leads to the advantage that a connection body according to the invention allows not only simple handling but also cost-effective production.

Furthermore, according to the invention, only a small number of components is necessary in order to achieve a secure electrical connection between the electrical conductor of the cable and the mounting rail. For this purpose, the invention dispenses with additional individual parts or actuating aids, for example, in order to contact or hold the cable for an electrical connection with the mounting rail. This also reduces sources of error in the handling of a connection device according to the invention, which also promotes a long service life.

Furthermore, the invention leads to the advantage that the space required for a connection device according to the invention can be kept small.

The invention also enables the advantage that the electrical path between the electrical conductor and the mounting rail can be kept short, in that, for example and in particular, it brings the uninsulated conductor section accommodated in the receiving space into direct contact with the mounting rail and thereby electrically connects or connects it to it. makes connectable.

In addition, the invention has the advantage that the latching means not only hold the connection body, but also the cable or the uninsulated conductor section of the conductor securely on the mounting rail. This multiple function also enables a secure electrical connection between the mounting rail and the conductor of the cable. This saves additional holding and contacting means for the cable or its conductor, which in turn means that the number of parts required to implement a connection device according to the invention can be kept to a minimum.

In this context, the invention provides that the connection body has contacting means that are set up and designed in such a way that when the connection body is snapped onto the mounting rail, the contacting means, in particular automatically, apply a spring force to the uninsulated conductor section of the conductor arranged in the receiving space and thus counteract it press the connection body and/or the mounting rail, whereby the conductor section is brought into contact with the connection body and/or the mounting rail under the action of the spring force (spring-loaded).

According to the invention, the spring force advantageously enables the security for the desired electrical connection between the mounting rail and the conductor of the cable to be increased. Furthermore, the spring force generates a holding force for the conductor or the cable, by means of which the conductor or cable is held securely on the mounting rail.

In addition, it is advantageously achieved that different cross sections of the conductor or cable can be used with a connection device according to the invention without the need for a design adjustment. Therefore, a connection device according to the invention is flexible and can be used for a wide range of applications of electrical conductors.

A connection device according to the invention uses the contacting means to generate a spring force which serves to press the uninsulated conductor section of the conductor arranged in the receiving space in the direction of the mounting rail or in the direction of the connection body, in order to thereby achieve a secure electrical connection. The invention provides that the electrical conduction between the conductor and the mounting rail can take place via the connection body and/or by direct electrical contact between the uninsulated conductor section and the mounting rail.

A spring force is preferably generated for this purpose, which acts in the direction of the mounting rail and thus presses the uninsulated conductor section of the conductor, which is arranged in the receiving space, in this direction. This causes the uninsulated conductor section of the conductor to be clamped between the connection body and the mounting rail.

In order to increase the safety of an electrical connection between the conductor of the cable and the mounting rail, it is provided that the contacting means have at least one contact spring tongue, which is electrically conductively connected to the connection body and is designed and arranged on it in such a way that the contact spring tongue, in particular automatically, in the detent position of the connection body, the non-insulated conductor section is contacted in a stressing manner with a spring force.

This results in the advantage that an electrical connection between the conductor and the mounting rail is achieved at least via the contact spring tongue. Furthermore, the contact spring tongue leads to increased resistance to vibration of a connection device according to the invention, so that the conductor of the cable is securely electrically connected to the mounting rail when vibrations occur.

Furthermore, the contact spring tongue causes at least the non-insulated conductor section of the conductor to be loaded with a spring force in the latched position and brought into contact with the mounting rail in order to achieve or support contacting with the mounting rail.

In addition, the contact spring tongue makes it possible for safe use to be achieved even with a gradually decreasing cross-section of a conductor, in that its springy/elastic deformation capacity also enables it to automatically Accommodates a gradually deflecting/deforming conductor.

Furthermore, a connection device according to the invention can also be used in the case of high-frequency interference currents, which can lead to high current intensities in the event of potential equalization.

The contact spring tongue can be brought into contact with the uninsulated conductor section of the conductor, for example by a spring element. Provision is made for the contact spring tongue to be integrally formed on the connection body, as a result of which it is a component part of the connection body and thus contributes to low implementation costs and improved application ergonomics of a connection device according to the invention.

In order to generate a spring force, the contact spring tongue has a corresponding resilient or elastic deformation capacity. This is achieved by elastic shaping and/or at least partially using an elastic material and/or elastic or flexurally elastic holding/arranging on the connection body in order to enable or support resilient/elastic deformation of the contact spring tongue. In addition to these, further options, for example a section designed to be elastically deformable, can also be used for implementation. Furthermore, the options can bring about a spring-elastic deformation of the contact spring tongue, either individually or in any combination with one another. The contact spring tongue is therefore elastically deformable and correspondingly resilient.

In order to make contact with the conductor or its conductor section arranged in the receiving space, according to a further advantageous development of the invention, the contact spring tongue is set up and configured in such a way that it protrudes at least in sections into the receiving space, in particular from a side of the connection body which is opposite the mounting rail in the latched position, in particular from a web, as described below.

This facilitates easy handling for introducing the conductor or its uninsulated conductor section into the receiving space.

For reliable contacting between the contact spring tongue and the uninsulated conductor section of the conductor, a further advantageous development of the invention provides that the contact spring tongue has a contact section at a free end with which it contacts the uninsulated conductor section of the conductor arranged in the receiving space.

This makes it possible to contact the conductor by means of a section of the contact spring tongue, which results in advantages in the production of a connection device according to the invention.

For this purpose, the contact spring tongue has a free end which can be elastically deflected in relation to a further end with which it is held on the connection body or formed in one piece, so that in the latching position it is brought into contact with the uninsulated conductor section, loaded with a spring force. This is achieved in particular in that it protrudes at least in sections into the receiving space and makes contact with the uninsulated conductor section arranged therein.

In a further advantageous development of the invention, it is provided that the receiving space is set up and designed such that the receiving space in the latching position extends longitudinally in a direction from the first free end of the support rail to the further or second free end. In this context, the cable or the conductor traverses the receiving space in particular in this direction.

The free ends of the support rail result transversely to the longitudinal extent of the support rail. The direction in which the mounting rail extends longitudinally is the direction in which electrical/electronic modules are lined up in a row. The modules are set up and designed to be held on the mounting rail and, for example and in particular, are each held on the mounting rail by a latching device or latching means.

The longitudinal extent of the support rail is directed transversely to the longitudinal extent of the receiving space and transversely to the longitudinal extent of the cable, which is related to its geometric extent between its, in particular free, ends or connection ends.

The invention thus develops a further advantageous effect, also for cables whose ends are already connected or fixed at another point and, according to the invention, do not have to be dismantled for an electrical connection to the mounting rail. The invention also means that the cable does not have to be split up in order to be able to provide a connection device between the parts for contacting the mounting rail.

The connection body of a connection device according to the invention can be designed in different ways. For the sake of simplicity, this can be formed at least by a first leg and a second leg spaced apart from it by a web, the receiving space being formed between the legs, as is provided in a further advantageous development of the invention.

This makes it possible to provide a receiving space in a simple manner, which encloses the conductor arranged therein or its respective uninsulated conductor section, in particular in the latching position, by the aforementioned legs and the web connecting them.

The legs are arranged opposite one another and, in particular, are aligned parallel or essentially parallel to one another. The web, via which they are preferably connected to one another, is arranged transversely to the legs.

The connection body has an opening on one side, through which at least the non-insulated conductor section of the conductor can be introduced into the receiving space in a simple manner in order to electrically connect it to the mounting rail in the latched position.

The opening of the receiving space formed between the legs faces the mounting rail when the connection body is in the latched position, so that the uninsulated conductor section of the cable arranged in the receiving space is surrounded by the connecting body and the mounting rail in its circumferential direction.

The uninsulated conductor section can thus be held securely on the mounting rail. Another advantage of the invention is that a large area Contacting between the mounting rail or connection body and the conductor is made possible for a secure electrical connection. In addition, the invention brings about good strain relief for the other conductors of the cable, provided it has several conductors.

An arrangement of the legs according to the invention, in which they are arranged opposite one another and in particular parallel to one another on the web, results in a connection body which has an open profile, in particular with a U-shaped cross section, at least in sections, as is the case with a further advantageous Development of the invention is provided. Such a connection body leads to simple and inexpensive manufacture. For example, so-called extruded profiles can be used for the cost-effective production of a connecting device according to the invention.

Provision is made for the connection body to be formed in one piece, in particular by a stamped and bent sheet metal part.

This promotes cost-effective production, with different materials advantageously being able to be processed with one tool to form a connection body, in order to be able to produce a connection device according to the invention for different applications in a simple manner. In addition, the invention also opens up logistical and handling advantages as well as advantages with regard to recycling.

In addition, it is thus possible in a simple manner to design a connection device formed according to the invention to be corrosion-resistant and therefore also to adapt it for use in aggressive environments. The one-piece design also contributes to this with the omission of further additional individual parts, such as a separate spring element.

The electrical connection between the conductor and the mounting rail can be made using the invention by direct contact of the conductor with the mounting rail and/or by contact with the connector body. In this respect, the invention is able to realize increased security in the electrical connection.

In order to be able to conduct electrical energy via a connection body according to the invention, a further advantageous development of the invention provides that the connection body consists or has at least sections of an electrically conductive material, in particular a metal-containing material, preferably spring steel. With the choice of an electrically conductive material, further additional aids for creating an electrical connection with the corresponding advantages are unnecessary.

A metal allows the formation of a connection body with high strength, good elasticity properties and good electrical conductivity. A spring steel also enables a high elastic deformation capacity and suitability for the formation of resilient sections, for example for the formation of latching means and contact means.

According to the invention, it is provided that the latching means, with which the connector body is held in the latched position on the mounting rail, has at least two latching hooks spaced apart from one another, which are designed, constructed and arranged on the connector body in such a way that a first latching hook is connected to the first free end of the Mounting rail and a second latching hook interact with the second free end of the mounting rail for snapping the connector body onto the mounting rail.

The invention thus makes it possible for the connection body to be held securely on the mounting rail by the latching hooks, which is easy to handle and in the latched position. The connection body is held on the support rail by the snap-in hooks by means of a force fit or a combination of force and form fit. The latching hooks thus advantageously prevent the connection body from being lifted off the mounting rail inadvertently and thereby ensure, in addition to a secure hold, also a secure electrical connection of the conductor and the mounting rail to one another.

Depending on the profile of the mounting rail, the snap-in hooks can be arranged facing each other or facing away from each other for a previously described snapping on with their respective opening, which can also be described as a hook opening.

In the case of a mounting rail with a hat profile, an embodiment of a connection device according to the invention is preferably provided in which the latching hooks face one another for secure holding on the mounting rail. In the case of a support rail with a C-profile or G-profile, on the other hand, an embodiment of a connecting device according to the invention is preferred in which the latching hooks face away from one another. The same applies to correspondingly similar profile shapes of mounting rails.

In order to increase the security for holding the connection body on the mounting rail, a further advantageous development of the invention provides that at least one of the latching hooks is set up and designed in such a way that in the latching position it is brought into contact with the mounting rail and loaded with a spring force causes the connector body to clamp on the mounting rail.

This can be done, for example, in that the latching means have at least one first latching arm, on which the first latching hook is arranged in such a way that the first latching hook and the second latching hook are positioned against one another under spring force when the connection body is latched onto the mounting rail and in such a way against the press the mounting rail between them.

Due to the advantageous further development, the invention causes in particular a non-positive connection between the connection body or the latching hook and the support rail. The invention thus makes it possible in an advantageous manner for the connecting device or the connecting body to be held firmly on the mounting rail and, in particular, to be fixed in its position on the mounting rail. The invention also includes a non-positive as well as positive holding on the support rail, which also includes a combination of force and positive locking. The invention dispenses with further aids, such as adhesives, for example, in order to ensure that the connection body is held securely on the mounting rail.

In the locking position, the connecting body is secured by a frictional connection by the spring force acting between the locking hooks both longitudinally and transversely to the direction of longitudinal extension of the support rail. In this respect he is Connection body of a connection device according to the invention fixed in its location and position on the mounting rail.

In order to generate a spring force, it is preferably provided within the scope of the invention to dispense with additional spring means and to achieve the spring effect in particular by means of an adapted shape. The aforementioned spring arm can preferably have a free, elastically deflectable end on which the latching hook is formed, while the remaining end of the latching arm is arranged and held on the connection body for elastically resilient deflection of the free end, in particular formed in one piece.

For example and in particular, the respective latching hook is set up and designed to hold the connection body of a connection device according to the invention in the latching position on the mounting rail in such a way that at least one latching hook engages over a mounting rail edge of the respective free end of the mounting rail.

For this purpose, the latching hook is formed, for example and in particular in a simple manner, by a recess on the connection body, which is designed at least in sections to complement the design of the relevant support rail end with which the latching hook interacts for latching the connection body onto the support rail or in the latching position.

For this purpose, it is included within the scope of the invention in particular that the opening of the latching hook faces the respective free end of the mounting rail, with which the respective latching hook interacts for latching the connection body onto the mounting rail.

For secure holding, a further advantageous development of the invention provides that at least one of the latching hooks engages over the mounting rail at a free end, as a result of which it also engages over a mounting rail edge formed at the free end. A first snap-in hook preferably engages over a free end of the mounting rail and a second snap-in hook engages over a further free end of the mounting rail in order to achieve improved holding and simple attachment to the mounting rail.

A connecting device according to the invention can be removed from the mounting rail without being destroyed by the latching means. In order to be able to do this in a simple manner, it is provided in an advantageous development of the invention that the latching means have at least one actuating element which is operatively connected to at least one of the latching hooks in such a way that actuation of the actuating element causes the latching hook of the connection body to be released moved by the support rail.

This is possible, for example and in particular, in that the at least one actuating member is operatively connected to at least one of the latching arms in such a way that actuation of the actuating member causes the at least one latching hook to move counter to the spring force acting between the first and second latching hooks.

Within the scope of the invention, an actuating element for releasing the holding effect can be formed in various ways and is provided, for example and in particular, for actuating the actuating element by means of a tool. Such an aid can be formed, for example, by a hand tool such as a screwdriver or the like. This also results in protection against manipulation against unintentional actuation.

Furthermore, it is also possible within the scope of the invention to design the actuating means for tool-free actuation, for example by means of an actuating lever or the like.

In a simple manner, easier release can be achieved using a tool in that the actuating member generates a force for releasing the holding effect through a lever effect. This can be achieved in that the actuating member is arranged on the locking arm and, when actuated, causes the locking arm to deflect against the acting spring force in order to release and remove the locking hook arranged thereon from the mounting rail.

In a further advantageous development, it is provided that the connection device for connecting a conductor, in particular a shielded conductor, of a cable to one designed in accordance with DIN EN 60715:2001-09 Mounting rail, which in particular has a hat profile, is set up and configured. Within the scope of the invention, the aforementioned standard is abbreviated as DIN EN 60715 and relates to the edition of the standard from the year 2001 (2001-09).

Support rails, which are standardized according to DIN EN 60715, differ from each other in their respective profile or cross-section. DIN EN 60715 in particular standardizes mounting rails with a hat, C or G profile. Against this background, this advantageous development of the invention leads to the advantage that a connection device according to the invention can be arranged with other electrical components on a common mounting rail without the need for special adjustments. Furthermore, this opens up a wide range of applications as well as increased safety in use and handling.

The invention also includes a connection assembly that takes up the aforementioned features and advantages. For this purpose, it comprises a cable having at least one conductor, a mounting rail and a connection device, as has been described above with its different developments. In this case, the connection device is set up and designed to electrically connect the conductor, in particular a shield conductor, the cable and the mounting rail to one another.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the attached drawing, in which an exemplary embodiment of a connection device according to the invention is shown as representative of a large number of connection devices according to the invention. A connection assembly with the components mentioned above is also illustrated in the figures.

All the features claimed, described and shown in the drawing form the subject matter of the invention, both individually and in any combination with one another, regardless of their summary in the patent claims and their back-references and regardless of their description or representation in the drawing. Therefore, the features are not tied to the constellation explained below, but can also be isolated from one another or in one deviating compilation form a connection device according to the invention.

The figures of the drawing show a possible embodiment of a connection device according to the invention, each in a schematic representation.

The representations in the figures are therefore in particular not necessarily true to scale, so that the scales selected in each case in the figures can also be different from one another.

For a better overview, the illustrations are reduced to the elements/components/components that support understanding.

Identical or corresponding components/components or elements are provided with the same reference symbols in the figures.

For a better overview, not all elements/components/components are always provided with reference numbers in the figures, with the assignment resulting from the same representation or a representation adapted to the view.

• Fig. 1
  ein Ausführungsbeispiel einer erfindungsgemäßen Anschlussvorrichtung mit einem daran angeordneten Kabel in einer Seitenansicht in schematischer Darstellungsweise, wobei sich diese in einer Raststellung an einer Tragschiene angeordnet befindet,
• Fig. 2
  das Ausführungsbeispiel erfindungsgemäßen Anschlussvorrichtung aus Fig. 1 in einer in Fig. 1 durch A gekennzeichneten Ansicht in schematischer Darstellungsweise und in einem zur Darstellung in Fig. 1 anderen Maßstab,
• Fig. 3
  das Ausführungsbeispiel einer erfindungsgemäßen Anschlussvorrichtung aus Fig. 1 in einer in Fig. 1 durch B gekennzeichneten Seitenansicht, wiederum in schematischer Darstellungsweise und in einem anderen Maßstab zur Darstellung in Fig. 1 wie auch Fig. 2.

It shows:

• 1
  an exemplary embodiment of a connecting device according to the invention with a cable arranged thereon in a side view in a schematic representation, this being arranged in a latching position on a mounting rail,
• 2
  the exemplary embodiment of the connecting device according to the invention 1 in a 1 marked by A in a schematic representation and in a for representation in 1 different scale
• 3
  the exemplary embodiment of a connecting device according to the invention 1 in a 1 side view indicated by B, again in a schematic representation and on a different scale for representation in 1 as well as 2 .

The features illustrated with reference to the figures also apply analogously and comprehensively as well as isolated from one another for various exemplary embodiments as well as other connection devices formed according to the invention. The invention is therefore not limited to the exemplary embodiments or relationships described and shown.

1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a connecting device 2 according to the invention with a cable 4 arranged thereon in a side view in a schematic representation, with this being arranged in a latching position on a mounting rail 6 .

The exemplary embodiment of a connection device 2 according to the invention explained with reference to the figures is also referred to as connection device 2 for short.

The connecting device 2 is used to connect a conductor 8 of a cable 4 to a mounting rail 6 to electrically connect them to one another, with the conductor 8 in this exemplary embodiment being a shield conductor 10 of the cable 4, which, in its design as a braided shield, has a further conductor 12 (in 3 visible) of the cable 4 surrounds. The shield conductor 10 and the conductor 12 surrounded by this are covered by an electrically insulating layer 14 which is formed from an insulating material and which protects the shield conductor 10 and the further conductor 12 from environmental influences.

For the electrical connection of the shielding conductor 10 to the mounting rail 6, the connection device 2 has a connection body 16, which has latching means 18 for arrangement on the mounting rail 6, by means of which the connection body 16 is set up and designed for latching onto the mounting rail 6 and thus in the latching position shown is held at a first free end 20 as well as at a first free end 20 opposite second free end 22 of the support rail 6.

In this case, the shielding conductor 10 of the cable 4 arranged on the connection body 16 is connected to the mounting rail 6 by means of the connection device 2 and is electrically connected.

As 1 it can be seen that the free ends 20,22 result from the cross section of the support rail 6, which in this exemplary embodiment is designed with a hat profile as a so-called top hat rail in accordance with DIN EN 60715.

The connection body 16 has a receiving space 24 which is set up and designed in such a way that the uninsulated conductor section 26 of the shielding conductor 10 accommodated in the receiving space 24 is arranged between the connecting body 16 and the mounting rail 6 in the latched position shown. The receiving space 24 is designed in such a way that the cable 4 traverses the receiving space 24 when the receiving body is in the latched position.

As in 1 As can be seen, the connection body 16 overlaps the mounting rail 6 between its free ends 20 , 22 and is thus held securely on the mounting rail 6 by means of the latching means 18 .

The receiving space 24 is set up and configured in such a way that, when the connection body 6 is in the locked position, it extends longitudinally in a direction L from the first free end 20 of the mounting rail 6 to the second free end 22 of the mounting rail 6 .

The connection body 16 is equipped with contacting means 28, which are set up and designed in such a way that when the connection body 16 is snapped onto the mounting rail 6, they automatically apply a spring force to the uninsulated conductor section 26 of the shielded conductor 10 arranged in the receiving space 24 and bring it into contact with it of the support rail 6, against which the spring force presses the uninsulated conductor section 26.

In addition, the contacting means 28 have a contact spring tongue 30, which is electrically conductively connected to the connection body 16 and designed, constructed and arranged on it in such a way that the contact spring tongue 30 automatically applies spring force to the uninsulated conductor section 26 when the connection body 16 is in the latched position shown contacted. In this exemplary embodiment, the spring force generated by the contacting means 28 is generated solely by the contact spring tongue 30 .

According to the invention, however, this does not have to be the case, so that the contacting means 28 can comprise further components which, however, are not necessary in the exemplary embodiment shown.

The contact spring tongue 28 is integrally formed on the connection body 16 and is also set up and designed in such a way that in the latched position it protrudes at least in sections from a side 32 of the connection body 16 arranged opposite the mounting rail 6 into the receiving space 24 .

The contact spring tongue 30 has a contact section 36 at a free end 34 for contacting the uninsulated conductor section 26 of the shielding conductor 10 arranged in the receiving space 24 . In this exemplary embodiment, the contact section 36 has an arcuate design and, in the latching position, has a curved shape from the contact spring tongue 30 in the direction of the uninsulated conductor section 26 arranged in the receiving space 24 .

The connecting body 16 has two legs 38, 40 spaced apart from one another, between which the receiving space 24 is formed. Due to the in 1 The selected view only shows the first leg 38, with the second leg 40 being designed in the same way as the first leg 38. Therefore, in the exemplary embodiment shown, the statements made for the first leg 38 also apply analogously to the second leg 40.

The connecting body 16 has a contact foot 42 with contact sections 44 arranged thereon (identified uniformly with the same reference number). The contact foot 42 is brought into contact via its contact sections 44 in the locking position of the connection body 16 with a side 46 of the mounting rail 6 facing the connection body 16.

The contact foot 42 is formed on both legs 38 , 40 of the connection body 16 , two contact sections 44 being formed on the first leg 38 and two contact sections 44 being formed on the second leg 40 .

Due to the in 1 The selected view of the system base 42 is only visible on the first leg 38 and is therefore explained and shown on this representative of the other leg 40 .

In addition to a secure hold on the mounting rail 6, the four contact sections 44 used in this exemplary embodiment also ensure a secure electrical contact between the mounting rail 6 and the connection body 16, in order to reliably enable a current flow between the mounting rail 6 and the uninsulated conductor section 26 via the contact foot 42 with its contact sections 44 .

For this purpose, the system sections 44 are arranged at a distance from one another, so that they contact the mounting rail 6 in the area of the outer mounting rail edges 48, 48' in the latching position.

In cooperation with the locking means 18, the contact foot 42 forms an abutment, via which the connection body 16 is supported in the locking position on the mounting rail 6 and which is held in a clamping manner on the mounting rail 6 by the action of the locking means 18, as will be explained below.

The connection body 16 is formed in one piece by means of a stamped and bent sheet metal part, so that this exemplary embodiment of a connection device 2 according to the invention is realized by just one individual part, the connection body 16 . Thus, the components of the connection body 16, such as the latching means 18, contacting means 28, contact spring tongue 30, contact foot 42 with contact sections 44, are captively connected to it, resulting in a high level of handling safety.

To snap the connector body 16 onto the mounting rail 6, the latching means 18 have four latching hooks 50,52,54,56, which are assigned to one another in pairs, so that each pair of latching hooks 58,60 has two latching hooks 50,52,54,56 spaced apart from one another and are arranged opposite one another and as a result a first latching hook 50,54 of a respective pair of latching hooks 58,60 with the first free end 20 of the support rail 16 and a second latching hook 52,56 of a respective pair of latching hooks 58,60 with the second free end 22 of the support rail 16 interact for snapping the connector body 16 onto the mounting rail 6 .

Due to the in 1 chosen view are the latching hooks 54,56 of the pair of latching hooks 60 of those of the pair of latching hooks 58 covered.

The latching hooks 50, 52, 54, 56 are elastically deformable and integrally formed on the connection body 16, so that in the latching position they are loaded with a spring force and brought into contact with the mounting rail 6 and press on it, as a result of which they clamp to hold the connection body 16 effect on the mounting rail 6.

For this purpose, the latching hooks 50,52,54,56 overlap the mounting rail 6 in the snap-on direction A, in which the connector body snaps onto the mounting rail, in each case at the free end 20,22 of the mounting rail 6 on which they are arranged. Thus, a latching hook 50,52,54,56 also engages over the mounting rail edge 48,48' formed at the respective free end 20,22.

Furthermore, the latching means 18 have actuating members 62,64, with one actuating member 62,64 being assigned to a latching hook 50,54 of one of the latching hook pairs 58,60 and being operatively connected to it in such a way that actuation of the relevant actuating member 62,64 activates the respective latching hook 50.54 for detaching the connection body 16 from the mounting rail 6.

In this exemplary embodiment, the contact foot 42 extends between the respective first latching hooks 50, 54 and second latching hooks 52, 56 of the latching hook pairs 58, 60, to which, however, the invention is not restricted.

2 clarifies the connection device 2 with the cable 4 arranged on it in an in 1 view marked by A. This also shows the direction of longitudinal extent T of the mounting rail 6, in the direction of which the electrical/electronic modules or components (not shown) designed for snapping on are lined up and snapped onto the mounting rail 6 accordingly. In this case, connection devices 2 (or other connection devices) according to the invention can also be lined up in a row in the direction of longitudinal extension T of the mounting rail 6 .

The receiving space 24 extends longitudinally transversely to the direction of longitudinal extent T of the support rail 6 , with the cable 4 passing through the receiving space 24 in this exemplary embodiment when the connection body 6 is in the latched position shown.

The free ends 20 , 22 of the support rail 6 , which result from the profile 68 of the support rail 6 that is used, are also spaced apart from one another transversely to the direction of longitudinal extension T.

3 clarifies that the first leg 38 and the second leg 40 of the connection body 16 spaced apart from it are angled or bent in the same direction A from a web 66 of the connection body 16 connecting them and spaced apart from one another, with the receiving space 24 between the legs 38,40 is formed.

The legs 38,40 are arranged opposite one another and aligned parallel to one another. In this way, the legs 38, 40 form an open profile 68 with a U-shaped cross section 70 together with the web 66 which spaces them from one another.

The open profile 68 is open with an opening 72 in the latching position towards the mounting rail 6 , as a result of which the uninsulated conductor section 26 can be easily arranged in the receiving space 24 via the opening 72 . This makes it possible to optionally first arrange the cable 4 on the connection body 16 or on the mounting rail 6 in order to then snap the connection body 16 onto the mounting rail 6 and bring it into the latching position shown. It is thus also possible to electrically connect a conductor 8/shield conductor 10 (as well as several) of an already installed cable 4 to the mounting rail 6 by means of the connection body 16 without having to disassemble the cable 4 .

3 also makes it clear that the contact spring tongue 28 protrudes from the web 66 into the receiving space 24 .

Furthermore, it can be seen that the connection body 16 is designed symmetrically or substantially symmetrically to a plane of symmetry S. whereby in particular its first and second legs are designed to be identical to one another.

Reference List

2

connection device

4

Cable

6

mounting rail

8th

director

10

shield conductor

12

another leader

14

insulating layer

16

connector body

18

locking means

20

first free end of the mounting rail 6

22

second free end of the mounting rail 6

24

recording room

26

uninsulated conductor section 24 of conductor 8/shield conductor 10

28

contacting means

30

contact spring tongue

32

side d. Connection body 16, in the locked position d. Mounting rail 6 opposite

34

free end of the contact spring tongue 30

36

Contact section of the contact spring tongue 30

38

first leg of the connector body 16

40

second leg of the connector body 16

42

plant foot

44

Contact sections of the contact foot 42

46

Side of the mounting rail 6, which faces the connector body 16 in the locked position

48.48'

mounting rail edge

50.52

first latch

54.56

second latch hook

58

Pair of locking hooks with locking hooks 50.52

60

Pair of locking hooks with locking hooks 54.56

62

actuator

64

actuator

66

Bar of connector body 16

68

Connector body profile 16

70

U-shaped cross section

72

Opening of profile 52

A

snapping direction

T

Longitudinal direction of the mounting rail 6

L

Direction from the first free end 20 of the support rail 6 to the second free end 22

S

plane of symmetry

Claims (12)

1. Connection device (2) for connecting a conductor (8), in particular a screen conductor (10), of a cable (4) to a support rail (6) for their electrical connection to each other,

   having a connecting element (16) which, to be arranged on the support rail (6), has latching means (18),

   by means of which the connecting element (16) latches on the support rail (6) and, in the latching position, is held on at least a first free and (20) and also on a second free end (22), opposite to the first free end (20), of the support rail (6),

   and, in the process, connects the conductor (8) of the cable (4) arranged on the connecting element (16) electrically to the support rail (6),

   wherein the connecting element (16) has a receiving space (24), which is configured and designed in such a way that, in the latching position, at least one uninsulated conductor section (26) of the conductor (8) that is received in the receiving space (24) is arranged between the connecting element (16) and the support rail (6),

   wherein the connecting element (16) has contacting means (28), which are configured and designed in such a way that when the connecting element (16) is latched onto the support rail (6), the contacting means (28) apply a spring force to the uninsulated conductor section (26) of the conductor (8) that is arranged in the receiving space (24) and therefore press the conductor against the connecting element (16) and/or the support rail (6),

   characterized in that

   the latching means (18) have at least two latching hooks (50, 52, 54, 56) which are spaced apart from each other and moulded in one piece on the connecting element (16) and which are configured, designed and arranged on the connecting element (16) in such a way that a first latching hook (50, 54) interacts with the first free end (20) of the support rail (6) and a second latching hook (52, 56) interacts with the second free end (22) of the support rail (6) to latch the connecting element (16) onto the support rail (6), and

   in that the contacting means (28) have at least one contact spring tongue (30), which is electrically conductively connected to the connecting element (16) and is designed and arranged on the latter in such a way that, in the latching position of the connecting element (16), the contact spring tongue (30) contacts the uninsulated conductor section (26) under spring force, wherein the connecting element (16) is formed in one piece and wherein the contact spring tongue (30) is moulded in one piece on the connecting element (16).
2. Connection device (2) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the contact spring tongue (30) is configured and designed in such a way that it projects into the receiving space (24), at least in some sections.
3. Connection device (2) according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, at one free end, the contact spring tongue (30) has at least one contact section with which it contacts the uninsulated conductor section (26) of the conductor (8) arranged in the receiving space (24) .
4. Connection device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receiving space (24) is configured and designed in such a way that, in the latching position of the connecting element (16), it extends longitudinally in a direction (L) from the first free end (20) to the second free end (22) of the support rail (6).
5. Connection device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting element (16) has at least one first leg (38) and a second leg (40) spaced apart from the latter via a web (66), wherein the receiving space (24) is formed between the legs (38, 40).
6. Connection device (2) according to Claim 5, characterized in that, at least in some sections, the connecting element (16) has an open profile (68), in particular with a U-shaped cross section (70).
7. Connection device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, at least in some sections, the connecting element (16) consists of an electrically conductive material, in particular of a material having metal, preferably of spring steel, or includes such a material.
8. Connection device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the latching hooks (50, 52, 54, 56) is configured and designed in such a way that, in the latching position, this is brought into contact with the support rail (6) under spring force and causes the connecting element (16) to be clamped to the support rail (6).
9. Connection device (2) according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that at least one of the latching hooks (50, 52, 54, 56) engages over the support rail (6) at a free end (20, 22).
10. Connection device (2) according to one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the latching means (18) have at least one actuating member (62, 64), which is operatively connected to at least one of the latching hooks (50, 54) in such a way that an actuation of the actuating member (62, 64) moves the latching hook (50, 54) of the connecting element (16) to release it from the support rail (6).
11. Connection device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connection device (2) is configured and designed to connect a conductor (8), in particular a screen conductor (10), of a cable (4) to a support rail (6) which is configured according to DIN EN 60715 and in particular has a top hat profile.
12. Connection assembly comprising a cable (4) having at least one conductor (8), a support rail (6) and a connection device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, which is configured and designed for the electrical connection of the conductor (8), in particular a screen conductor (10), of the cable (4) and the support rail (6) to each other.

Images